Raising an "I Can Do It!" Child Before School Starts
Hi parents,
Summer has a way of sneaking by. One minute you're celebrating the end of the school year, and the next you're shopping for backpacks and lunchboxes. While the countdown to the first day is exciting, there's one thing that will help your child more than any new pair of shoes or perfectly labeled water bottle:
Confidence.
Children thrive when they believe, "I can do this." The wonderful thing is that confidence isn't something we give our children—it's something they build through small successes every day. The weeks before school are the perfect opportunity to let them practice those little moments of independence.
Here are a few simple ways to encourage that confidence at home:
Let them do the "little" things.
It may take twice as long, but allow your child to:
Put on their own shoes.
Zip their jacket.
Wash and dry their hands independently.
Carry their own backpack.
Clean up after an activity.
Every time they accomplish a task on their own, they're learning, "I'm capable."
Give them small responsibilities.
Children love having meaningful jobs. Invite them to:
Set the table.
Water a plant.
Match socks during laundry.
Help pack their own snack for an outing.
These everyday responsibilities build both independence and pride.
Practice separating… in small doses.
If your child isn't used to spending time away from you, try short opportunities to practice. A playdate with grandparents, an afternoon with a trusted friend, or even attending a community activity without you nearby helps children learn that goodbyes are temporary—and that you always come back.
Encourage problem-solving.
Instead of immediately stepping in, try asking:
"What do you think we should do?"
"Can you think of another way?"
"Would you like to try one more time?"
Children become resilient when they discover they can work through challenges with a little support.
Celebrate effort more than perfection.
When your child struggles but keeps trying, that's worth celebrating.
Instead of saying, "Good job!" try:
"You worked really hard on that."
"I noticed you kept trying even when it was tricky."
"You figured that out all by yourself!"
These kinds of compliments help children value perseverance over perfection.
As we prepare for another wonderful school year, remember that our goal isn't for children to arrive knowing everything. It's for them to arrive curious, confident, and ready to grow.
The skills they'll learn at CMCH are important, but just as important is the belief that they are capable learners who can try new things, make mistakes, and keep going.
We can't wait to welcome your family back in just a few short weeks. Until then, enjoy these summer moments, celebrate the little victories, and know that each one is preparing your child for a successful start.
We'll see you soon!
